With warm, sunny weather in the forecast, Pismo Beach planning extra enforcement this weekend
PISMO BEACH, Calif. -- With warm temperatures expected to continue into the weekend, the City of Pismo Beach is planning to make sure everyone is following the rules on its beaches.
Extra patrols by the police department will take place in an effort to keep people from congregating along the shoreline.
"We will be having our police department have extra patrols and reminding folks about the shelter at home order," said Jorge Garcia, City of Pismo Beach Management Services Director. "We want to be a visible presence. We want to make sure that people know that we're here, and ultimately, it's to keep people safe."
On March 25, Pismo Beach placed strict restrictions on beach usage, to promote current social distancing guidelines.
While the beaches remain open, visitors can only use them for activities such as walking, running, surfing or fishing from the shore.
Beach goers are currently not allowed to stay on beach for any length of time, such as laying on a towel, to picnic, playing games, etc.
"We really don't want people having picnics or gatherings, bringing out their lawn chairs or coolers," said Garcia. "This isn't the time for that. Right now, this is the time to shelter at home and work collaboratively to address this COVID-19 situation."
The same rules are in effect at city parks.
In the one month since the measures have been in place, the city has not issued one citation for failure to comply.
"What we've been doing is get people to voluntarily comply," said Garcia. "We can enforce and we will if we have to, but right now, our goal is people honor that shelter at home order."
Pismo Beach also closed the pier due to difficulties in maintaining social distancing guidelines.
Parking near the beach was also reduced to one hour. Parking meters remain in effect, but are also limited to one hour.
At nearby Avila Beach, extra patrols are also set for this weekend.
Beach goers can expect to see Port San Luis Harbor Patrol officers in vehicles and on foot.
In addition, lifeguards will also be stationed to make sure people are complying with recent restrictions that are in effect.
Last week, the Harbor District restricted beach usage, prohibiting people from gathering on the shoreline.
Avila Beach, Olde Port Beach and Fisherman's Beach remain open, but can only be used for certain activities, such as exercising, walking, running, surfing, paddling and other water-related activities.
